MODEL
Nissan Pathfinder Safety
NHTSA safety across every Nissan Pathfinder model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the Nissan Pathfinder we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 91 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 80. 11 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Nissan Pathfinder is a three-row midsize SUV that has long targeted family buyers who need genuine passenger capacity without stepping into full-size truck territory. Now in its fifth generation for the covered model years, it competes in one of the most hotly contested segments in America, going up against the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer. Safety is a legitimate selling point here, but the full picture deserves a careful look.
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder achieved its highest marks in side-impact protection, earning a 5-out-of-5-star rating from NHTSA. While its frontal and rollover assessments were respectable at 4 stars each, they did not reach the top tier. The model's overall NHTSA Safety Index peaked at 88 out of 100, placing it squarely in the Strong performance band. However, the recall record for the Pathfinder across the 2019-2025 model years presents a more complex picture. NHTSA has logged 11 recalls for the vehicle, with at least one requiring a "park outside" or "do not drive" directive. Such directives indicate a critical safety concern where regulators advised against vehicle operation until repairs were completed. Prospective owners must confirm that all open recalls have been addressed before purchasing any used Pathfinder from this period. Owner complaints also bear consideration, with 458 filed across these model years. These include 15 alleged crash events, 2 fire-related allegations, and 12 reported injuries. While these remain unverified allegations, the fire-related complaints, in particular, highlight a serious risk category that warrants close attention. The Pathfinder demonstrates reasonable crash-test performance. Nevertheless, its recall frequency and the specific instance of a do-not-drive recall mandate thorough recall status verification by any potential buyer.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Pathfinder as a practical, family-friendly three-row SUV with a comfortable interior and straightforward driving character. Most find it a competent if not segment-defining choice, praising its usable third row and ease of daily operation while noting it faces stiff competition from more dynamically polished rivals in the midsize SUV class.
- At least one recall across the 2019-2025 model years carried a park-outside or do-not-drive directive, meaning the safety risk was serious enough that regulators advised against operating the vehicle. Always run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before buying.
- The Pathfinder's best NHTSA Safety Index score of 88 out of 100 was recorded in the 2020 model year. If crash-test performance is a priority, the 2020 model year is the benchmark to compare other years against.
- Side-impact protection is the Pathfinder's strongest crash-test result at 5 out of 5 stars, but frontal and rollover ratings sit at 4 stars each. Families with young children should weigh the rollover rating given the SUV's higher center of gravity.
- Owner complaints total 458 across the covered model years, with 2 fire-related allegations on record. While these are unverified, fire complaints in any vehicle warrant a check of current and past recall notices related to fuel, electrical, and engine systems before finalizing a purchase.
Most-recalled year on record: 2022 Nissan Pathfinder with 5 recalls.